We pride ourselves on having a highly-trained fire department and a skilled training group. Our newly-hired firefighters participate in a rigorous training program over their first three years of employment. The training our Firefighters receive is validated by a third party. At a minimum, all Firefighters are required to hold MN State Certifications in Firefighter 1 and 2, Fire Apparatus Operator, and Hazardous Materials as well as Emergency Medical Responder. When specific experience and training goals are met, all personnel are required to hold MN State Firefighter Licenses.

Our Firefighters are very active, running about 1,200 calls out of only two stations! All personnel are alerted only by pager – there are no staffed stations. Required continuing education and training is ongoing, offered three times every week. In addition, a large number of our personnel go on to take additional fire, medical and other emergency training and education – many at their own expense.

Our newer firefighters have had two very positive role models over the years – Jeff Davis and Bill Groth – who are both still active. Jeff Davis has been responding for over 42 years! Jeff attends 100% of all ongoing training every year and typically holds one of the highest percentages of response to emergency calls. With that kind of dedication, Jeff has responded to more than 10,000 emergency calls in his career. Bill Groth seems like a youngster when compared to Jeff, but has 29 years on our fire department. Not only has Bill been attending 100% of the ongoing training, he broke the record last year for most calls attended in a year – 755 calls out of 1229!

The dedication of the Inver Grove Heights Firefighters is second to none and I am extremely proud to be their Fire Chief!